Construction of New Haeundae District Office Building Gains Momentum

BUSAN - Plans for the construction of a new building for Haeundae District Office in Busan, which will replace the aging structure built in the 1980s, have made significant progress. The project has successfully passed the Centralized Investment Review, paving the way for a smoother progression.

The Haeundae District Office recently revealed that it will undergo the final design service presentation next month and aims to begin construction by January of the following year.

The Local Financial Investment Project Examination and the Centralized Investment Review are essential components in South Korea's governance infrastructure. These evaluations ensure that public sector investment projects, especially at the local level, are not only financially viable but also align with national or central standards, policies, or priorities.

The new building project, set to be located near the Haeundae District Cultural Complex in Jaesong-dong, aims for completion in December 2026. This structure will encompass two underground floors and eight above-ground levels, covering a total area of 29,354 square meters. The projected cost of the endeavor stands at KRW 174.1 billion.

The existing building in Jung-dong, Haeundae, constructed in 1981, has been criticized for its lack of office space, resident convenience facilities, and parking. Visitors often endured long waits for parking, and the dispersed departmental placements resulted in reduced operational efficiency.

Despite challenges since its initiation in 2020, including re-examinations from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the project gained solid footing with the recent passing of the Centralized Investment Review, allowing it to move forward after three years.

The Haeundae District Office's consistent efforts, including visits and presentations to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety by key stakeholders, played a significant role in this advancement. Recognizing the need for enhanced facilities, the revised project now includes increased parking areas, expanded resident facilities, and an additional budget of KRW 25.3 billion to account for inflation.

In light of the recent approvals, the Haeundae District Office expressed its determination to ensure that the construction progresses without hitches. The District Mayor, Kim Sung-soo, emphasized the combined efforts of various stakeholders, including the local and national governments, in ensuring the project's success.